Contents

History

Still concerned for the fate of Middle-earth, Manwë summoned a council of the Valar. Here it was decided that they would send emissaries to Middle-earth. Aulë chose Curumo, Oromë chose Alatar, and Manwë chose Olórin. Yavanna subsequently begged Curumo to take Aiwendil with him. In c. T.A.1000, the wizards arrived upon the shores of Middle-earth. However, it is said that Saruman arrived first and alone, and that Radagast arrived at the same time as Gandalf.[1]

Yes; not a bad fellow as Wizards go, I believe. I used to see him now and again—Beorn[3]

Whilst it is likely that he wandered and travelled Middle-earth, he eventually settled down and dwelt, for a time at lest, at Rhosgobel. This meant that he lived on the western borders of Mirkwood, somewhere between the Carrock and the Old Forest Road.[1] It is likely that he became acquainted with the people of that region; indeed it is clear that Beorn knew him and thought good of him.[3] It also clear that he was friends with the eagles of the Misty Mountains.[2]

Following the T.A.2851 meeting of the White Council, Saruman began to search the Gladden Fields for the One Ring.[4] Knowing nothing of Saruman's treachery, Radagast aided him with birds and beasts who acted as spies. Radagast did this in good faith for he believed this would help watch and hinder the Enemy.[5]

Radagast by Angelo Montanini

Radagast's part in the War of the Ring was small, albeit important. In T.A.3018, on his way to Bree, Gandalf found Radagast sitting on the side of the Greenway. Radagast informed Gandalf that Saruman had sent him. He told Gandalf that the Nazgûl were abroad, disguised as riders in black, and that they were seeking news of the Shire. Radagast said that Saruman was willing to help Gandalf but that he had to seek him out at once. Before Radagast rode away, he agreed to help Gandalf by getting beasts and birds to send news to Orthanc. With that he rode away back towards Mirkwood. Whilst Gandalf was imprisoned by Gandalf, he did not believe that Radagast too had fallen. Indeed, it was thanks to Radagast that Gandalf was able to escape from the pinnacle of Orthanc upon the wings of Gwaihir.[2]

Wilt thou learn the lore || that was long secretof the Five that came || from a far country?One only returned. || Others never again—J.R.R. Tolkien[1]

Of all the wizards who were sent to Middle-earth, only Gandalf remained faithful to his purpose. Radagast failed because he became too captivated by the birds and beasts of Middle-earth and took too little interest in the affairs of Elves and Men. Indeed, as far as it is recorded, Radagast did not fall into evil, but it is understood that he did not return to the Uttermost West.[1]

Characteristics

Radagast is, of course, a worthy wizard, a master of shapes and changes of hue; and he has much lore of herbs and beasts, and birds are especially his friends.—Gandalf[2]

Little is known about Radagast apart from certain defining characteristics. Saruman was the chief of the Order of wizards and Gandalf came next in the order; Radagast meanwhile held much less power and wisdom.[1]

Etymology

Radagast

In a manuscript written by Tolkien in 1954, the name Radagast is said to mean "tender of beasts" in Adûnaic, the language of Númenor.[1] However, in a later note Tolkien said that the name is in the language of the Men of the Vales of Anduin, and that its meaning is not interpretable.[7]

Other versions of the Legendarium

Early in the process of writing The Lord of the Rings, it is clear that Tolkien envisaged some role for Radagast in the tale.[12] He eventually decided that he would use Radagast as the means of getting Gandalf to Isengard.[13]

Initially Gandalf describes Radagast as his 'cousin',[14] as he did in The Hobbit,[3] but in a subsequent draft he becomes his 'kinsman'.[15] In the final version Gandalf merely says that Radagast is 'one of my order'.[2]

Tolkien initially called him "Radagast the Grey", but in pencil he changed this to "Brown" and subsequently Saruman refers to him as "Radagast the Brown".[13]

When Tolkien finished writing the story up till Moria, he made notes on the future story development; therein he considered handing over Isengard to Radagast.[16]

Films

Radagast was entirely omitted. Without Radagast's involvement, Gandalf goes to Isengard of his own accord (because he wanted council form Saruman) and is able to escape from the pinnacle of Orthanc by speaking to a moth who sends for the help of the eagles.

Radio series

Games

Radagast has been issued in a couple of different versions: figure LR3 "Radagast the Brown" is seen with a cat and an owl;[18] an older version of the figure portrays Radagast without beard and with a different bird.[19] There is also a "Radagast Mounted" (MS539), where Radagast (again without beard) is portrayed mounted on a horse.[20]

The characters Eradan, Farin and Andriel travel to Mirkwood in search of Radagast and arrive just in time to rescue him from a giant spider. He thanks them for the rescue and provides them with information about the Dragon Urgost.[23]